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Monday, September 30
Updated: October 1, 8:20 AM ET
 
Wells begins Blazers camp with new contract

Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Just in time for training camp, Bonzi Wells was re-signed Monday by the Portland Trail Blazers to a multiyear contract.

Bonzi Wells
Wells

Wells signed a four-year deal worth $29 million, with the fourth season, at $8 million, at the Blazers' option, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports.

"I've got a job again. I'm happy," said Wells, a restricted free agent guard. "I went all summer without a job. I felt like a bum."

Wells and his teammates were at the Rose Garden preparing to open camp Tuesday in neighboring Tualatin.

"Our goal every year is to have every player signed and in camp on time," Portland general manager Bob Whitsitt said. "We were fortunate to get the job done."

Wells, 25, was the team's second-leading scorer last season, averaging a career-high 17 points and six rebounds a game. In four years with the Trail Blazers, the 6-foot-5 guard has averaged 12.7 points a game.

"Bonzi was a guy who was a major contributor last year," guard Damon Stoudamire said. "I don't expect it to be any different this year."

Wells was the 11th overall choice in the 1998 draft by the Detroit Pistons. He was acquired by the Trail Blazers in early 1999 for Portland's first-round choice that year.

"We're happy to get him signed because it gets everybody back on the court right away," Portland coach Maurice Cheeks said. "Nobody has to play catch up."

The Trail Blazers also signed center Chris Dudley, a 15-year veteran who appeared in 43 games with the Trail Blazers last season; guard Richie Frahm, a rookie out of Gonzaga who played last season in the ABA; and forward Billy Owens, a nine-year veteran.




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